8 things you didn't know about WhatsApp

How-To

How to up your WhatsApp game

WhatsApp is now one of the most popular messaging platforms available, both on mobile and on web. The Facebook-owned app isn’t riddled with advertising, your messages are encrypted so nobody can snoop in, and it’s totally universal. But are you getting the most out it? We’ve got a few tips…

1. Tag friends (@)

Just like with Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, a recent WhatsApp update lets you tag contacts - perfect if you're in a group chat with loads of people, and need to make sure your message reaches the right person. To activate it, simply use the @ symbol and select who you want to tag from the list.

2. Quote messages

If there are lots of questions being asked at once in a group, it can be difficult to keep track of which one you're answering. Now, however, you can quote messages directly. By holding down on the message, and clicking the reply arrow at the top of your screen, there'll be no more confusion.

3. Bold (*)

Make your messages stand out with a bold typeface. Simply put an asterisk at either side of your word, like this: “*The best tips* I’ve read all day.”

4. Italics (_)

Introduce a bit of emphasis to your messages by italicising certain words. All you need to do is surround your word with underscores, like this: “These secrets _are_ awesome!”

5. Strikethrough (~)

Humorously correct yourself by using strikethrough. To do this you need to use the swung dash – AKA, the squiggle. “I ~hate~ love Mondays…”

Although it looks like the symbols will show up in your messages, they disappear after your click ‘send’.

6. Beat the system with airplane mode

Want the chance to think of a witty reply, but don’t want to be under pressure? By putting your phone into airplane mode, and then reading your message, the sender won’t see the blue ticks until you turn airplane mode off. Which gives you unlimited time to think of an amusing response.

7. One love

Looking for a way to show your true affection? Send your love interest a giant beating heart by selecting the emoji, and sending it without anything else.

8. WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web is now available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry. Simply follow this link, and navigate to the settings on the phone app to launch the QR reader. Three dots on main chat page (top right) > WhatsApp Web.

This will also let you save images and videos to your computer, not only saving you storage space on your smartphone, but letting you see what your mates are sending you on a larger screen.